The Vertical Corridor makes Greece strategically indispensable to its allies, as it will enable US natural gas to be channelled to the Balkan countries and as far as Ukraine, replacing flows from Russia. This was the point made by New Democracy secretary Konstantinos Kyranakis in an interview with ACTION 24, in which he described the project as one of national importance, transcending individuals and governments.
“It is a project of national importance that must not be stopped under any circumstances,” he said, adding: “Greece was chosen to serve as the gateway to the Vertical Corridor. All political forces must recognise this.”
Energy independence and costs
Mr Kyranakis linked energy independence to investment in energy production, networks and storage, noting that this infrastructure could help reduce costs for households and businesses.
“This will make energy cheaper for households and industry,” he said, explaining that storage allows energy produced to be used when it is needed.
On support measures, he noted that Greece had asked for greater fiscal headroom so it could cut the special consumption tax on petrol.
“We are negotiating and fighting to succeed,” he said, expressing optimism about the outcome of the talks and citing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s credibility in securing results for the country.
Cost of living, wages and incomes
On the difficulties facing households, the New Democracy secretary acknowledged that “there are clearly people out there who are struggling”, arguing that higher wages and incomes are a key way to tackle the cost of living.
“Yes, there is a cost-of-living problem. We will take whatever measures we can to provide relief,” he added, stressing the need to combine investment to drive growth with support for the most vulnerable people.
He said the aim was for workers, pensioners and young people entering the labour market to gain greater financial independence. He also urged voters to consider which political force had demonstrated in practice that it could raise wages and incomes, arguing that New Democracy had done so.
Investment in energy, shipping and IT
Finally, Mr Kyranakis emphasised the need to attract new investment and strengthen the international reach of Greek businesses, with particular reference to the energy, shipping and IT sectors.
“So let’s steer young people towards professions that pay well today, so they can live better than the previous generation,” he said.
Source: AMNA